Australia find right combinations to spark T20I mojo

February 10 2018 by Tristan Lavalette

After a trio of outstanding performances to start the T20I tri-series, Australia have seemingly unlocked the right formula in the shortest format.

For so long, Australia have frustratingly struggled in T20 cricket as evidenced by a bare trophy cabinet and a current lowly ranking of No.7. Selections were always a mishmash and continuity a constant bane. It was little surprise they continually struggled with T20 appearing low in priority for a country that still adores the longer formats, particularly Tests.

With the next T20 WC to be staged Down Under for the first time, a determined Australia have resolved to take things far more seriously. Selector Mark Waugh has been earmarked to cast his eye over the nation's T20 talent in a specialised role for the Australian great who moonlights as a Big Bash League (BBL) television commentator. Furthermore, Ricky Ponting has come into the fold as an assistant coach for the tri-series and his influence has been pronounced to the point where he is now seen as the favourite to be Australia's head coach at the T20 WC in 2020.

The advent of the Twenty20 tri-series has ensured Australia gets a prolonged run of matches in the type of continuity they've long craved. Form players from the BBL, notably dynamic opener D'Arcy Short, have been selected and it has paid dividends after three convincing victories over New Zealand and England - two higher-ranked opponents.

"Most of the guys that have come in have come straight out of the Big Bash and we've kind of rolled on from what we were doing there," Kane Richardson, the man-of-the-match Australian quick, told reporters after Australia's seven-wicket destruction over England on Saturday (February 10).

Undoubtedly, Australia have found the right combinations in the tri-series. Chris Lynn, the T20 batting dynamo, is an ideal No.3 in the shorter forms with his ability to counterattack from the get go. After coming to the crease in the first over of Australia's chase of 138 at the MCG, a bold Lynn showed no fear and audaciously charged down the wicket off the second ball to quick David Willey and smash a boundary.

Lynn's firepower was badly missed in the ODI series where Australia's batting felt meek compared to England's constant pyrotechnics show. Mercurial all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has starred in all three games and feels like a missing link of the struggling ODI team after being overlooked for the bulk of the five-match series against England.

Perhaps the biggest surprise has been Australia's dominant second string attack highlighted by a breakout performance from towering quick Billy Stanlake, who has menaced through his great height and rapid fire bowing. He has formed a lethal partnership with the slippery Richardson, while Andrew Tye has thrived in the backend of an innings through his bag of tricks. The pace attack has the right blend of speed, accuracy and variation needed for T20 cricket.

With Australia's Test squad to South Africa - apart from David Warner - rested, it was perceived Australia would field a weakened team for the tri-series. However, with the team firing on all cylinders, a recalibration may be required with the players gelling so well in the opening three matches.

Stanlake, Short and Tye should all be seriously considered in a full-strength Australian line-up and, suddenly, there appears little wriggle room for spots. Out of the players rested, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins and captain Steve Smith are probably the only inclusions likely into the team. And, perhaps, Starc would be the only certainty to warrant an instant inclusion.

Richardson, who tore through England with 3 for 33, was diplomatic and said he was merely happy about getting an opportunity. "Obviously if there wasn't a Test tour to South Africa you'd see those guys here but it's always good to know that there's some pretty handy guys in the wings waiting to play and do their best," he said.

Still, Australian selectors suddenly have some difficult - albeit welcome - decisions ahead starting at the top. The elephant in the room is skipper Smith - the masterful Test batsman who has had modest success in his least suited format of T20. In 30 T20Is, Smith has averaged just 21 with a strike rate of 122.

With Australia relishing the newfound formula of continuous ultra-aggression throughout the batting order - much like England's successful tactics in limited-overs cricket - Smith's staid batting feels like a fish out of water amid this philosophy.

The time may not be now but the brains trust will eventually have a headache over Smith - at the very least deciding whether to strip his T20 captaincy considering the heavy burden of leading in all three formats.

In Smith's absence, an inspired Warner has thrived leading Australia in the tri-series and his players have responded accordingly. Even though a tiring Warner has struggled with the bat, his innate aggression and effervescence perfectly complements the format with the results being hard to ignore.

Warner has now won 6 of 7 matches in charge - clearly the best mark in Australia's T20I history. Smith notched 4 wins from 8 matches as captain.

"Our players have been in tremendous form coming off the Big Bash League and they are playing with freedom and they're playing fearless," Warner said after the match. "I love going over to New Zealand and we're looking forward to that challenge."

Australia has played superbly but - as per this frenetic format - things can change quickly as they embark on a trip across the Tasman. After fears were heightened following their ODI malaise against England, Australia have rebounded and regenerated quickly to ensure they finished the home summer in style.

Suddenly, there is excitement and goodwill genuinely emerging within the Australian T20 team but they will be determined to finish the job in New Zealand.